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As long as he can remember, eastern Ventura County resident, Mike Kowalski, has been the beatman, making a living as the guy who keeps the dance beat going. It all started when he was ten years old and Jack Webb, yes, the famous actor, gave him his first drum set.

One day Webb was at Kowalski's home meeting with his older brother about a film project on which they were both working. Webb witnessed an impromptu concert where Kowalski was using hair brushes to beat along on two small drums to a song playing on a record player. The next day the drum set arrived and a 40-plus year professional career in music was born.

As a teen and young adult, he played for bands and stars such as Redbone, Sonny & Cher, Little Anthony & the Imperials and Etta James, and met his wife, Dawn, while playing in England with The New Nadir, a blues trio. He returned to the U.S. and in 1968 joined the Beach Boys as the percussionist and back-up drummer for Dennis Wilson.

Although he took time off for short periods, he has been the primary drummer for the group for 39 years. When asked why he is no longer with the Beach Boys, he commented, "It was time. That was my past, I enjoyed it and am looking forward to the future." He has several gold and platinum records hanging in his music room at home recognizing him for excellence in the recording industry.

Not only is he accomplished as a drummer and percussionist, he plays piano and has performed on stage and screen. His credits are long and extraordinary. Google his name on the Internet and find many references including Wikipedia's fairly complete biography.

Last September, he and the Beach Boys parted ways and Kowalski, 64, moved on to a new and exciting path. His partnering with former band members from the Beach Boys, Jan and Dean, and other popular beach sound groups, had resulted in a new group called The OC Beach Band.

The band is currently booking worldwide concerts and Mike looks forward to also playing at some local venues. Their music is California beach sound, with fun dance beats, harmonies and a great time for the audience. More about the band and its members may be found on their website: www.theocbeachband.com or to book the band call Elliot Lott (858) 793-4141.

For a guy who is a history buff, world travel was one of the best parts of his job with the Beach Boys. He hopes someday to see some of the sites of historical battles from WWII, visiting the now peaceful islands that saw combat.

He spends most of his time now writing music, preparing for concerts, and having time with his wife who is a poet and writer. They have collaborated on many songs including one called "Together Forever."

When he wants to feel good, he plays blues shuffles on the drums set up in his home, but, without missing a beat, he can switch to jazz, funk, rock, pop, latin, or any other style to keep the beat going and himself happy.

When asked about his favorite music from his years as a Beach Boy, without hesitation, he said, "When I Grow Up To Be A Man." After a lifetime of travel, playing music, and raising a family, the lyrics of the song say it all.

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